DSHS DDA Attendant Counselor 3

About the role

The State Operated Community Residential (SOCR) program within the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) has an opportunity for an Attendant Counselor 3 located in Yakima, WA. In this role, you will oversee the 24/7 management of the SOCR Transition facility, ensuring support for eligible DDA clients in the program.

Responsibilities

• Ensures care is provided according to each client's care plan and directives.
• Implements individualized programs and services based on client needs.
• Uses training techniques to help clients follow formal and informal programs.
• Implements behavioral support plans for clients with challenging behaviors.
• Participates in specialized treatment, including exercises, equipment use, and diet modifications.
• Observes, documents, and reports changes in clients' physical or mental condition.
• Reports incidents of suspected abuse, neglect, or unexplained injuries.
• Completes or ensures completion of event reports.
• Supervises and accompanies clients during activities, appointments, and community outings.
• Maintains a clean, safe, and organized residential living unit.

Qualifications

Professionals with a high school diploma or GED and two years of experience working with people who experience developmental disabilities, physical disabilities, and/or mental health challenges. OR two years of experience as an Attendant Counselor 1, equivalent or higher-level state class. OR equivalent education/experience.

Skills

• Situational judgment – You stay calm and decisive in emergencies, responding with skill and care.
• Mentorship – You guide new and seasoned staff with patience, clarity, and accountability.
• Communication – You share information clearly and professionally—verbally, in writing, and across shifts.
• Financial oversight – This role may support financial reconciliation tasks. Previous experience handling or reconciling client accounts, tracking expenditures, or managing financial records, although not required, could be beneficial.
• Team orientation – You collaborate, support others, and contribute to a stable, respectful work culture.
• Leadership – You confidently direct others, hold high standards, and build trust on every shift.
• Professionalism – You uphold safety, ethics, and confidentiality.
• Behavioral support – You apply structured interventions while keeping respect and dignity at the core.
• Observation – You pick up on small changes in behavior or health and act before problems escalate.
• Adaptability – You navigate changing needs, client behaviors, and staffing challenges without losing focus.

Schedule

Friday-Tuesday 2pm – 10pm (Wednesday/Thursday off).

Pay

Opportunities performed on-site at this work location at least three days a week may be eligible for an additional 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary. Evening and Night shifts include a shift differential in addition to the standard compensation rate.